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A comparison of sensation‐seeking between dental and biological science students
Author(s) -
Mian O.,
Kay E. J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
european journal of dental education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.583
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1600-0579
pISSN - 1396-5883
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0579.2003.00324_7_42.x
Subject(s) - psychology , sensation seeking , sensation , dental education , medical education , dentistry , medicine , social psychology , cognitive psychology , personality
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare sensation‐seeking behaviour amongst dental students and age‐, sex‐matched students studying for a standard 3‐year degree in biological sciences at the Manchester University. Methods: A total of 268 sensation‐seeking questionnaires were distributed to second‐ and third‐year male and female dental and biological science students, studying for a degree at the University of Manchester. Each questionnaire was scored against Zuckerman's sensation‐seeking scale. Results: A total of 268 questionnaires were distributed, 175 were returned. The return rate was 65%. The primary findings were:• Biological Science students were more sensation‐seeking in the dimensions of disinhibition and experience‐seeking than dental students ( P < 0.05).• There was a significant gender bias in sensation‐seeking. Males were significantly more sensation‐seeking than females in both courses ( P < 0.05).• Males in both courses had similar sensation‐seeking tendencies (NS).• Females in the biological sciences course were less inhibited than their dental counterparts ( P < 0.05).Conclusions: There was a clear difference in sensation‐seeking within and between groups of dental students and students studying biological sciences.